Deadline: 07-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals in Gedaref, Sudan, to strengthen transparent, accountable, and evidence-based beneficiary selection systems amid escalating food insecurity. The initiative focuses on improving targeting accuracy, reducing errors, reinforcing accountability to affected populations, and strengthening local data capacity. The call responds to severe IPC Phase 3–5 food insecurity affecting over 24.6 million people nationwide.
Overview of the Call
WFP is seeking partners in Gedaref to enhance humanitarian targeting systems for food and cash assistance.
The core objective is to ensure that limited humanitarian resources are directed toward the most vulnerable households through:
• Transparent beneficiary selection criteria
• Community participation in targeting
• Evidence-based vulnerability assessments
• Strong accountability and feedback systems
• Reduced targeting errors
This initiative supports fair, impartial, and needs-based humanitarian assistance delivery.
Sudan Food Security Crisis: Current Context
Sudan is experiencing one of the most severe food insecurity crises globally, intensified by the conflict that began in April 2023.
According to the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released in December 2024:
• 24.6 million people (51% of the population) are projected to face IPC Phase 3 and above between December 2024 and May 2025
• 637,000 people are in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe)
• 8.1 million people are in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency)
• 14 million people are in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis)
The Famine Review Committee has confirmed famine in ten areas and identified 17 additional areas at risk if conflict and access constraints persist.
Humanitarian operations are further challenged by:
• Restricted access
• Funding shortages
• Food ration reductions
• Suspension of certain assistance activities
In this environment, accurate and transparent targeting is essential to maximize impact.
What Is Humanitarian Targeting?
Humanitarian targeting is the structured process used to identify and prioritize households most in need of assistance.
Effective targeting ensures:
• Assistance reaches those in IPC Phase 3, 4, and 5
• Inclusion errors are minimized (non-eligible households receiving aid)
• Exclusion errors are minimized (eligible households missing aid)
• Community trust is strengthened
• Accountability standards are upheld
In high-risk settings like Gedaref, targeting must be data-driven and participatory.
Expected Results of the Initiative
The WFP targeting call aims to achieve:
1. Strengthened Accountability to Affected People (AAP)
• Transparent two-way communication channels
• Inclusive community engagement
• Responsive complaints and feedback mechanisms
• Clear information on selection criteria
2. Improved Targeting Accuracy and Fairness
• Evidence-based vulnerability data collection
• Transparent eligibility criteria
• Community validation processes
• Reduced inclusion and exclusion errors
3. Enhanced Community Trust
• Participatory targeting processes
• Open communication of decisions
• Integration of feedback loops
4. Strengthened Local Capacity
• Improved data management systems
• Capacity building for local actors
• Standardized targeting methodologies
• Strengthened monitoring frameworks
Who Is Eligible to Apply as a Partner?
WFP seeks organizations with:
• Experience in humanitarian operations
• Expertise in beneficiary targeting systems
• Knowledge of IPC classification frameworks
• Strong community engagement capacity
• Experience in accountability and feedback systems
• Data collection and management capabilities
Local organizations with contextual understanding and community access are highly encouraged to apply.
How Targeting Will Work in Gedaref
Step 1: Conduct Vulnerability Assessments
Use standardized tools to identify households facing severe food insecurity.
Step 2: Define Transparent Eligibility Criteria
Criteria may include displacement status, livelihood loss, household size, and IPC classification level.
Step 3: Community Participation and Validation
Engage community representatives to verify beneficiary lists.
Step 4: Data Verification and Cross-Checking
Ensure accuracy through evidence-based validation.
Step 5: Feedback and Appeals Mechanism
Allow households to raise concerns and request review.
Step 6: Continuous Monitoring and Review
Regularly assess targeting accuracy and fairness.
Why This Call Is Critical Now
This initiative is urgent because:
• Sudan faces widespread IPC Phase 3–5 food insecurity
• Conflict limits humanitarian access
• Resources are insufficient to cover all needs
• Errors in targeting can undermine trust and effectiveness
• Transparent processes reduce tension and promote equity
Precise targeting helps save lives and protect livelihoods in resource-constrained environments.
Common Targeting Risks and Mitigation Measures
Risk 1: Displacement and population mobility
Mitigation: Frequent data updates and flexible targeting lists
Risk 2: Limited access to affected communities
Mitigation: Partnering with local organizations
Risk 3: Social tensions related to beneficiary selection
Mitigation: Transparent communication and community validation
Risk 4: Data inaccuracies
Mitigation: Standardized tools and cross-verification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the WFP 2026 Targeting Call in Gedaref?
To identify partners that can strengthen transparent, fair, and evidence-based targeting systems for food and cash assistance.
2. Why is targeting especially important in Sudan?
Because resources are limited and millions face severe food insecurity, making precise beneficiary selection essential.
3. What does IPC Phase 5 mean?
IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) indicates extreme food deprivation and risk of death without urgent assistance.
4. What types of assistance are covered?
Food assistance and cash-based transfers.
5. What is Accountability to Affected People (AAP)?
AAP ensures communities receive clear information, can provide feedback, and influence decisions affecting them.
6. Who benefits from improved targeting systems?
The most vulnerable households in Gedaref facing severe food insecurity due to conflict and economic disruption.
7. How does improved targeting reduce errors?
Through standardized vulnerability assessments, community validation, and continuous monitoring.
Conclusion
The WFP 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals in Gedaref represents a critical effort to ensure that humanitarian food and cash assistance is delivered fairly, transparently, and efficiently during Sudan’s escalating food crisis.
By strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving data systems, and enhancing community engagement, the initiative seeks to protect the most vulnerable populations and maximize the life-saving impact of limited humanitarian resources.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
